Ballistic missile attack on Kyiv: experts identify possible targets and Putin's capabilities before the New Year

Following a morning missile attack by Putin's forces on Kyiv and reports of a potential launch of an intercontinental missile, referred to in Russia as the "Oreshnik," military experts have not ruled out a recurrence of such attacks in the near future.

In a comment for TSN.ua, former spokesperson for the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and military expert Vladyslav Selezniov described the incident as another act of terror against civilians.

"Moreover, it’s a costly terror act. However, the enemy is willing to resort to such measures to claim they’ve responded appropriately to challenges. The President of Ukraine has given a corresponding evaluation of the Russian president, which reflects the reality," said Selezniov.

He added that new strikes on Ukraine are possible in the near future, particularly by the end of the month and year.

"The enemy has about 1,500 missiles and continues to produce more. Therefore, it is not worth talking about depleting their resources. They have missiles and will undoubtedly use them. We shouldn’t focus on specific dates for potential attacks but rather on the extent of Russian intelligence regarding our facilities," warned the expert.

In his view, the enemy likely uses outdated Soviet-era information, particularly from the 1970s, targeting locations where military facilities were once situated.

"However, the Russians fail to understand that certain military facilities are no longer located where they aim their missiles," Selezniov concluded.

Military expert Roman Svitan suggests that this morning’s strike could have been a test duel, as Putin mentioned yesterday during his "Direct Line" event.

"Putin, or his double, made a statement, and this morning they executed a ballistic strike. Cruise missiles weren’t used because they are much easier for us to intercept. This is not the last attack. Putin may repeat strikes using the ballistic missiles they currently possess. The Russians have over 500 of these missiles, stationed on land, underground, and underwater. This type of strike, like the one we saw today, can be repeated frequently by Putin's forces. I believe they may strike again before the New Year, targeting cities with high population density. Putin needs visuals because he understands that with the current stockpile of missiles, he cannot defeat the Ukrainian army. His optimal strategy is a strike on the capital, as he mentioned yesterday," Svitan notes.

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